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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Tuesday announced that center Brent Raedeke (RAD-eh-kee) has been assigned by the Detroit Red Wings to the American Hockey League Club, which today also signed forwards Zack Torquato (tohr-KWAH-toh) and Dan Charleston to amateur tryouts.

Raedeke, 18, attended Detroit’s training camp last fall as a free agent and was signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Red Wings. He recently completed his second season with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League, placing among the team’s leaders with 19 goals (T3rd), 36 assists (T2nd) and 55 points (T3rd). The Regina, Saskatchewan, native also tied for the club lead with two points (1-1—2) in four playoff games.

Torquato, 19, logged 11 games with the Griffins late last season, scoring his first pro goal on March 30, 2008 at Chicago. Detroit’s fourth choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, he served his second season as captain of the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, pacing the club with 29 goals and finishing among the team leaders with 34 assists (4th) and 63 points (3rd). The native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, also led the Otters with six points and four assists through five postseason contests.

Charleston, 24, capped off his senior year at the University of Nebraska-Omaha by ranking among the Maverick’s leaders with 27 points (2nd), 18 assists (3rd), 73 PIM (2nd) and 122 shots (1st). The Oak Forest, Ill., native compiled 116 points (43-73—116) through 159 games during his college career.

All three players are expected to practice with the team on Wednesday and be available to play this Friday, when the Griffins begin a crucial two-game road set against the Hamilton Bulldogs in their battle for second place in the North Division. Faceoff at Copps Coliseum is set for 7:30 p.m.